When buying commercial vehicles from the big dealerships, large companies always manage to negotiate a good discount. Not surprisingly, garages love buyers who place orders for maybe 10 or 20 vehicles at a time. Big company buyers also have the resources to shop around dealerships to make sure they always find the best vehicle for the job.

But for smaller buyers needing maybe just one or two vans, the story is quite different. Low margins mean that main dealerships are rarely prepared to negotiate discounts and owners of small businesses usually do not have time to shop around for the most suitable vehicle. The result, unfortunately, is often the wrong van at the wrong price!

V4Vans is unique in providing a one-stop-shop solution to the small businessman's dilemma. It offers a personalised service and a choice of vehicles from almost any manufacturer - all at competitive prices or on attractive finance packages. "You don't need to drive very far to realise that the market is simply huge", says Managing Director Pete Clements. "How many vans belonging to small businesses have you already seen on the road today?" The new V4Vans franchise is based on the concept developed by AJ (Vehicles), a well established and highly successful internet-based van sales business created by Pete Clements and his wife Mandy four years ago. But unlike that business, V4Vans franchises will have the additional advantage of providing valuable face to face local contact with customers.

The company specialises in supplying light commercial vehicles from all the main manufacturers, offering attractive discounts and also a wide range of highly competitive finance terms. It has gained recognition and respect from its niche market because, as Mandy Clements points out: "Small businesses may not have the same buying power as the big fleet operators, but they still deserve a good deal and high quality service."

Jason Draper joined V4Vans in September as its very first franchisee. Asked what impressed him most about this particular franchise opportunity, Jason comments: "A major attraction of V4Vans is that just about all the administration, progress chasing and invoicing is carried out by the head office, which means franchisees can spend most of their time selling. Like many salesmen, paperwork is not exactly my strongest point!"

The V4Vans franchise package represents exceptional value for money and includes initial on-the-job training as well as continuing administrative support from its head office in Kettering (pictured top right). Franchisees acquire the exclusive rights to use the V4Vans brand name and business system within their territory. In addition they are provided with a sign-written vehicle, on which the deposit has been pre-paid by the franchisor as part of the franchise package, together with marketing materials, business stationery and many more items.

The V4Vans franchise has been developed and set-up with the help of FDS Midlands, who are acknowledged experts in this field. Ken Young, FDS Regional Director, observes: "This franchise can easily be run from a home-based office by an individual or couple working together, and requires only a modest investment. The high level of support provided by the franchisor means V4Vans will especially appeal to outgoing and talented individuals who dislike the more tedious administrative side of running a successful business."

Experience of the motor trade is certainly not necessary to take advantage of this great opportunity. The V4Vans directors wish to talk to people with a sound sales or management background who have a high level of determination and are looking for a genuine opportunity to acquire and develop their own profitable business. Says Pete Clements: "Our figures speak for themselves and we are quite happy to disclose as much information as possible to any seriously interested applicants who would appear to match our requirements."